Automatic device to lock cut-off valves



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AUTQMATIG DEVIGB TO LOOK GUT-OFF VALVES. No.3 39','8'02. Patente dApr. 13, 1886.

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- D. M. MONROE. AUTOMATIC DEVICE To ow GUT-OPP VALVES. No. 339,802. V Patented Apr.'13, 1886.

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UNITED STATES PATENT Orrice.

DAVID M. MONROE, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

AUTOMATIC DEVICE TO LOOK CUT-OFF VALVES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent'No. 339,802, dated April 13, 1886.

Application filed December 12, 1885. Serial No. 185,528. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, :DAVID M. MONROE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Devices to Look Out-Off Valves, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates to a device for automatically securing the keys in cut-off valves, and also a signaling device which will indicate the accomplishment of the same, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a sideview showing the device attached to a gas bracket. Fig. 2 is a front view of the same. Fig. 3 is a bottom detail view of the pivoted arm. Fig. 4 is a top View of the frame. Fig. 5 is a side view of a gasbracket which is designed especially for the device. Fig. 6 is a detail view of the key in a position at right angles to that in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the pivoted-arm.

Fig. 8 is a modified view of the device. Fig. 9 is an end view of the pivoted arm. Fig. 10 is'a side view of the clamping-arm. Fig. 11

is a top view of the pivoted arm. Fig. 12 is a modification with the grooved part arranged to reciprocate.

The object of the device is to effectually lock the key of cutoff valves, and especially those I used for gas-fitting, as in this case it frequently occurs that the key is not wholly turned off, thereby subjecting persons to the injurious effect of the gas; and as, with the most skilled persons and those accustomed to the same, there is always an uncertainty about the position of the key in the dark, I arrange a signalgong which, when the key is in the proper position tocut off the gas, will indicate the fact by ringing.

The device, when arranged to be attached to a bracket that is in use, consists of the frame A, which is attached to the bracket in any suitable manner, and, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is secured to the key casing B by placing the ring a. thereof around the lower part of the same and holding it there by means of a set-screw, b.

To one end of the frame A is pivoted-the latch C, and to the opposite end is attached the gong D, which is secured thereto by being threaded thereon or otherwise. The latch O is pivoted to the frame at c, and is provided with a hole, d, through which the shank of the key F passes, and the grooves e, which permit the latch O to drop when the handle of the key F is placed in line therewith. To the end of the arm opposite the pivoted end is secured the hammer f, which, when the arm drops, comes in contact with the gong D, thereby denoting that the key F is in the grooves e, and that it is properly turned off. Between the frame A and the latch O is arranged the spring Z, which presses the said arm down and holds it in its normal position.

As shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, the bracket E is designed for the device, inasmuch as.

the lugs g are integral therewith, and also the stem h, which supports the gong, and the key F is provided with a circular projection, 'i, at right angles to the sides of the key F, which prevents the fingers of a person from coming in contact with the latch 0, thereby insuring the working of the device when operating the same.

As shown in 8, 9, 10, and 11, the device is modified to be attached to the bracket E by means of the arm k, clamped thereon. To

this arm is pivoted the latch O, which is pro-v vided with the groove 6 and the incline surfaces a at one end, and at the other with a weight and hammer, the weight keeping the latch C in its normal position and the hammer striking'the gong. In this modification the key F is provided with a right-angle projecting pin, on, which engages with the groove 6 and depresses the latch O by coming in con tact with the inclined surface a as the key is turned, the gong being supported by a stem projecting from the arm 70. By holding the key F with the grooved latch O the usual stoppin on the key is dispensed with, and also the projection on the key-casing which forms the stop, and as the said pin frequently becomes loosened and drops out or becomes broken the cut-off is often without means of determining the position of the key,which is not observed until a fatal result therefrom occurs. It will be seen that the key F can be placed in any position, but when fully shut,without ringing the gong, as the latch 0 will only drop when the grooves e and the edge of the key F coincide, thereby permitting the flame to be regulated as may be desired.

It is obvious that the device may be made in various forms and differently. arranged. Therefore Ihave shown modifications, as I do not wish my invention limited to any particu lar construction, and I therefore include all mechanical equivalents.

Having described my invention, lclaim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States- I 1. The combination of a eutoff valve, B, provided with a key, a movable latch, 0, connected to one of the said devices and in contact with the other, the two parts coming in contact being provided, the one with a projection and the other with arecess corresponding to the said projecting part, whereby the one may engage with the other and prevent the key from turning either way, thus dispensing with the usual key-stop and insuring the position of the key.

2. In combination with a cut-off valve pro vided with a key, the frame A, attached to the casing B, 'and the latch (l, pivoted to the frame A, extending above the key, and provided with a recess which will engage with the said keyand prevent it from turning either way, as set forth,

3. In combination with a cut-off valve provided with a key, the latch O, secured to one of the said devices and in contact with the other, the said latch being provided with a hammer and a recess corresponding to the form of the key, and the gong D, as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

DAVID M. MONROE;

Vitnesses:

G. A. BoYDEN, JNo. T. MAnnoX. 

